Concateknittag:typepad.com,2003:weblog-1546752016-06-03T06:51:47-04:00Dorking it up in central Florida by way of Fresno, Boston, and San Jose.
TypePadOH HI!tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01b8d1f1ddd4970c2016-06-03T06:51:47-04:002016-06-03T06:51:47-04:00Okay, let's get caught up: I moved to Orlando from Fresno last year for a new job and promotion The opportunity was great and I fell in love with Orlando The job was workworkwork all the time Like, ALL the...Elisa

Okay, let's get caught up:

I moved to Orlando from Fresno last year for a new job and promotion

The opportunity was great and I fell in love with Orlando

The job was workworkwork all the time

Like, ALL the time

Like, there was this high pitched keening sound in my mind at all times related to workworkwork.

So I got a new job

I work from home with my four furry co-workers (who are lazy and snore all day)

The job is GREAT

I'm becoming human again which for me means that I am speaking to other people about things that are not related to work, and I have the time and mental energy to actually do things I love like knit and read and make things

Okay, I'm also doing an Executive MBA program, so most of my reading is related to school, but that's cool because I love school

Yesterday morning before work I was poking around Facebook trying to find good coffee shops near me - I know a lot about the evening stuff (bars and restaurants) that are in my neighborhood but not so much about the daytime stuff because...well, I was never actually here during the day. So - coffee shops. I found a link to a coffee shop near my house that happened to be doing an essential oil make and take. I've always been fascinated by essential oils and I thought, well hell - WHY NOT?

So I went. Like, totally as easy as that. And it was silly amounts of fun and now essential oils aren't nearly as scary to me as they were and I MADE THINGS.

I made a roller to take the itch out of bug bites, an after sun salve, bath salts that will make me smell like key lime pie, a bug repellent spray, and as a prize I won a grapefruit scrub.

I know my job will get very busy and will be demanding and I'm totally okay with that, but I have to, HAVE TO, have more balance in my life and protect the time to do things and spend time with people that help me keep perspective.

So - HI and I STILL MAKE THINGS!

Goodbye, Fresnotag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01b7c7abe9c7970b2015-07-09T13:34:48-04:002015-07-09T13:34:48-04:00When I realized, so many years ago, that it was time to leave Boston, it felt like a break up. I wrote about it here, and I had so many intense, conflicted feelings about leaving the city. I loved, still...Elisa

When I realized, so many years ago, that it was time to leave Boston, it felt like a break up. I wrote about it here, and I had so many intense, conflicted feelings about leaving the city. I loved, stilllove Boston so much, but I also knew that it was time to leave.

Today I sit in my kitchen in my pretty little house in Fresno, maybe, probably for the last time, and once more I feel like I'm breaking up with a city.

But Fresno? Fresno, I never loved you, and I know you never loved me. We had a comfortable relationship, and we understood each other well enough; we stayed together because it was easier to stay than to go, but Fresno and I never had the passion for each other that Boston and I did.

But Fresno has been my home for eight years (almost to the day, in fact) and it feels right that today, rather than think about Orlando, my next relationship, I should stop to acknolwedge what has come into my life because we've lived here:

Thank you, Fresno, for:

Fall seasons that are fare lovelier than you're given credit for, or than anyone even knows. Although it starts later in the year, Fresno is a riot of fall colors in October, November, December. I will never forget the many perfect moments of happiness I experienced walking my dogs through the neighborhood during the Fall.

Produce to die for. If you live in the Central Valley, slow food, eating local, supporting local farmers and agriculture, all of those things are possible and to be honest, you don't even have to try very hard. Farmers Markets here are really just that - farmers markets. They aren't craft fairs with a few produce stands. You can do your grocery shopping at our farmers markets. From bread to meat to eggs to cheese to produce, all sourced locally, and of a quality and at a price that makes grocery stores a joke.

Never having to shovel snow. I'm sure it goes without saying, but after seven years living in Boston, I was ridiculously happy not to have to shovel snow.

Always being able to find a parking spot. Living in Fresno is just easier than living in Boston. I can get from one side of Fresno to the other side of Clovis in about 25 minutes, and really, nothing is more than 25 minutes away. I can also assume with confidence that I'll be able to find a parking spot wherever I have needed to go.

A landscape that is far more interesting and varied than most people know. Fresno is the only big city with three national parks within about an hour of it. Do you like to be outdoors? Well, then there's no better place to live. Yosemite? Sure, it's a day trip. Sequoia National Park? Also a day trip. If it's summer and you want to beat the heat, you can be at 7k feet elevation sitting by a lake in two hours.

A foodie scene that you also never really get credit for. Fresno has some amazing restaurants, and the surrounding cities do as well: Visalia, Fresno, Clovis, and Sanger all have wonderful restaurants that support local agriculture, aren't chains, and serve unbelievable food. No, it's not San Francisco, it's not Boston, it's certainly not New York, but the quality is there and I have enjoyed sharing these little gems with people who have the same prejudice against Fresno that I always had.

My lovely little home, in my lovely little neighborhood. I've loved living in this house. And as I look around the kitchen, piled high with boxes, I won't deny that part of me wishes I could just unpack all the boxes, rewind the clock, and start all over again. Buying this house made me feel like anything was possible. It was simply so pretty, so perfect for us, and it was something I never thought I'd have. Leaving it doesn't feel like failure, but I leave it feeling that there are things undone, and I'm not even sure yet what those things are.

My job and the career it's allowed me to develop and the opportunities that go along with it. Eight years ago, I didn't even know that companies like mine existed. And when I started as a proposal writer, I was taking a pretty big step down from what I had been doing in Boston. But here I am now, a Senior Director, and relocating to Orlando to continue this amazing journey.

Most importantly, my dogs. Of all the things I'm grateful to Fresno for, I am the most grateful for finding the furry loves of my life here. The challenges that the Central Valley face in regard to animal welfare are heartbreaking. With euthanasia rates that are amongst the worst in the nation, the rescues here are fighting an uphill battle. But thanks to their efforts, thousands of dogs and cats are saved from certain death each year. The people who run the Central Valley's various rescue organizations are amazing people, committed to real change here, and I will always be their fervant supporter. They see the possible in these scared and broken animals and they give them what is often their last chance. I have been blessed to share my life with some of the sweet pups that have been pulled out of high-kill shelters and I am a better, more compassionate human being for the experience.

So thanks, Fresno. Thanks for this lovely little house, a great career, and the most amazing little dogs anyone could ever wish for. I didn't love you the same way I loved Boston, but you were very, very good to me, and for that I will always be grateful.

...and then we moved to Orlandotag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01bb080f6962970d2015-03-25T23:07:47-04:002015-03-25T23:07:47-04:00You know, I never meant to stay in Fresno forever. Fresno was the gateway to California - inexpensive compared to Boston, close to Kim, relatively close to family, limited worry about weather (oh look! a cloud! it must be winter!),...Elisa

You know, I never meant to stay in Fresno forever. Fresno was the gateway to California - inexpensive compared to Boston, close to Kim, relatively close to family, limited worry about weather (oh look! a cloud! it must be winter!), and you know...I didn't have to work.

But without something to organize my day around, I become the world's laziest human and so about two months after we got to Fresno I went to work. In a job I was significantly over-qualified for. And I didn't like that no one cared about my opinion or did what I said. Two years later I was the Manager of my department, two years after that Director, and then two years after that...well. Senior Director.

I know, right? Isn't that crazy? Senior Director over two companies? Like, whoa.

I really want to do a good job. Like, I REALLY, really want to be the best at my job.

A little more than six weeks ago I loaded up the dogs, what I could fit in my Escape, and my step-mom (okay, so she USED to be married to my dad, is the mom to my sisters, and is probably more MOM than step-ANYTHING to me, but GOOD LORD modern families are difficult to describe) and drove across country.

Dogs in hotel the first night when we were in Palm Springs. Yes, it was a pink room. It was awesome. The dogs were awesome. Everything was awesome.

I'm in temp housing now. Hoping we'll settle on a house to rent soon because the dogs have been troopers but I would like all of my clothes and makeup back. Along with my books. And my yarn. And my fiber. And my spinning wheel. And I can't have those things back until they're in Orlando and as accommodating as the people at the hotel have been (I'm in an extended stay kind of situation. I have a small kitchen and a crock pot and a coffee maker and so there's all that) I would like a house please.

This is the dogs being troopers. Okay, well, in the interest of full disclosure they were waiting for me to share my empanadas with them. I did share the empanadas. I did not share my beer. What I've learned about these dogs is that in any situation, they'll be cool as long as I'm there. Their ability to be sweet, funny, charming, and still good fur people is a lesson to all of us in adaptability. Well, okay, at least me.

So now I am here and boss of all the things and all I do is work and dog. I go to work, I go to dogs. I go back to work. I go back to dogs. (There's a lot more money in my bank account now because I don't shop anymore. I work and dog.) I know that it won't always be all work and dog, but for now that's what it is and I really, REALLY want to do a good job.

(I am tired. Really, really tired.)

But I am very tired here in Orlando and you know what? I really like this city. I like how much pride people have in living here. I like the vibrant downtown and that the people who live here value the old along with the new. I like that I've found a great yarn store (the Black Sheep) that's also dog friendly (when all you do is sleep and dog, anywhere you go has to be friendly to one of those things).

An Imperial and my knitting at Mucho Tequila Bar in downtown Orlando last Sunday afternoon. Was really nice.

So anyway - I live in Orlando now. With dogs, and with Mike when he can get here (soon it'll be more often), and with work and my sisters, and it all feels like it will be okay, even if I'm a little at sea right now and WORKWORKWORK.

xo,

E

Beauty on the Road: Estee Lauder Double Weartag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a3fd2f052f970b2014-07-10T10:01:37-04:002014-07-10T10:01:37-04:00Travelling for work typically means long days. From the moment I head into the airport until I pull into my driveway, I am constantly on the go. I may be at an all-day meeting and then go out to drinks...Elisa

Travelling for work typically means long days. From the moment I head into the airport until I pull into my driveway, I am constantly on the go. I may be at an all-day meeting and then go out to drinks and dinner with my colleagues afterwards or I may be at a conference and in our tradeshow booth or in sessions all day and entertaining clients or prospects in the evening. What this means for my makeup, and especially my foundation, is that it has to do a few things for me:

It has to be extremely long wearing (there was one day in San Diego where I was in a tradeshow booth from 7am - 7pm with dinner afterwards. I had five minutes in my room between exhibiting and dinner and I used those five minutes to weep a bit because I was SO. TIRED.)

It has to look good with minimal touch-ups (see above - when you're using your five free minutes to weep from exhaustion you don't end up with a lot of free time for touch-ups.)

It has to stay put and continue to look good in a lot of different climates (DUDES. Last week? Boston. This week? Phoenix. Next week? Nashville.)

Estee Lauder's Double Wear Stay in Place Makeup totally knocks it out of the park for me as my go-to travel foundation. It's not the sexiest foundation (what is a sexy foundation, you ask? Anything by Armani. They just feel...luxurious and beautiful but they don't hold up to 14 hour days in high humidity) but the coverage is amazing, the color range is extensive, and people - this foundation lasts and still looks great at the end of the day even if I haven't really been able to pay much attention to my makeup throughout the day.

Did I mention that it has fantastic coverage? This is a ridiculously huge swatch that, blended out, covers my entire hand then some.

Blended out you can see how seamlessly it blends into my skin. What I love about the finish is that it surprises you: for such a full coverage, long wearing foundation, you would expect that the finish MIGHT be cakey or give you an ultra-matte finish. This doesn't - it covers beautifully, lasts all day but leaves my skin looking and feeling like skin.

When I travel, I typically bring a few different foundations with me so I can be prepared for different situations that come up (oh - we're going to a baseball game? Let me put on my itCosmetics CC Cream with SPF 50), but I find that even when different events, occasions, etc., come up, at least 90% of the time, the Estee Lauder Double Wear still works perfectly.

On my eyebrows and my makeup no-buy:

So...I got my hair dyed last weekend. The amount of gray roots I was showing was horrifying (and it had only been 5 weeks - my hairdresser says hair typically grows faster in the summer, but this did NOT make me feel better because OH MY GOD THE GRAY) and I didn't like (AT ALL) how the gray contrasted with my usual red. SO. Now my hair is a dark brown (I *know*) which means that I had to re-think my travel brow strategy and I spent so much time thinking about it and preparing for it that I completely forgot to actually pack any brow products. Like nothing. Zero. Zip. And I didn't bring brushes that would even let me fake brows with some eyeshadow used as brow powder. So last night I caved and went to a CVS in downtown Tempe on my way back to my hotel from dinner and ended up picking up these products:

Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit (I actually have wanted to try this, and for $6.99 I didn't feel terrible about the cost) a Pop-Arazzi spoolie; and another pair of Tweezerman tweezers (my tweezers disappear like row counters do, I swear to god). The good news? Even though I broke my makeup no-buy, I only spent $6.99 on actual makeup. The bad news? I may be an idiot for forgetting to pack brow products because I dyed my hair.

Product Update: Becca One Perfecting Brushtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a3fd2b6bd5970b2014-07-05T13:00:00-04:002014-07-05T13:00:00-04:00You may remember that back in February I posted a product review for the Becca One Perfecting Brush and how much I loved how it worked and all of the brushes it replaced in my travel makeup bag. I wasn't...Elisa

You may remember that back in February I posted a product review for the Becca One Perfecting Brush and how much I loved how it worked and all of the brushes it replaced in my travel makeup bag. I wasn't lying: I loved that I could bring it and a kabuki brush and be pretty much all set for all of the face brushes I needed.

(You should also know that I take very good care of my brushes. If I'm going to spend good money on my brushes then I am also going to take care of them so I get the longest life out of them. I wash my brushes every week and I wash and dry them carefully.)

Fast forward a few months and I'm sitting in a hotel room (somewhere - I can't remember where) when I notice that my Becca brush is shedding. Now, some shedding from a brush I can deal with, especially when it's a new brush, and I'm usually not even aware of a little shedding here and there. I *do* notice shedding, however, when I'm picking dozens of little hairs off of my face. Yup. Dozens. And when I looked at the brush I could see that there were literally dozens more little hairs that were ready to let loose. I was really, really annoyed by this because at $49.00, this brush should NOT shed this way, especially after it's been meticulously cared for.

(GAH - Can you SEE all the shedding hairs?) SADNESS.

I brought the brush back home, put it aside, and decided what I wanted to do about the situation. Finally I decided to email Becca's Customer Service and explain the situation to them.

About a week and a half later I received a reply from one of their representatives apologizing for my experience and offering to send me a new brush. Needless to say, I was very pleased with their response. They didn't admit to anyone else having this problem, and they did reiterate how the brush should be cared for, but the offer for a new brush was the right one for them to make and I accepted.

Sigh - you guys, I still love this brush. I really want it to live up to the hype and be a GREAT brush that does what it claims to do.

I've used it twice since I received it (hence the smudge prints on it) and yes, it has shed a bit, but not terribly, and not much beyond what I expect in a new, natural hair brush. I've got a business trip to Tempe, AZ coming up this next week and I will bring this with me and see how it holds up and if the shedding increases or decreases with continued use.

Although I am happy that Becca responded the way they did, ultimately their customer service will not be as meaningful if their products don't back up their claims. I'm really, really hoping that this brush will perform better than the first one, but I'd definitely caution you against purchasing this for yourself until I have an opportunity to test it more!

June 2014 Emptiestag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a73de661f8970d2014-07-04T13:31:45-04:002014-07-04T13:31:45-04:00For various reasons, both work and personal, June has been a busy, busy month. I'm back on the road (A LOT) and will be for the next six weeks or so. What does that mean in terms of empties? Well,...Elisa

For various reasons, both work and personal, June has been a busy, busy month. I'm back on the road (A LOT) and will be for the next six weeks or so. What does that mean in terms of empties? Well, it means that I went through a lot of things on the road and fewer things at home than I normally do.

I've also taken a step back from all of the samples I was using to give my skin a chance to acclimate and calm down a bit. I definitely found products I really like by testing so many different things, but my poor skin finally cried Uncle and I listened to it.

Since I've been on my two month makeup no-buy which started at the beginning of June, I have been having a lot of fun shopping my stash. My no-buy has also led to me going through what is in my stash and getting rid of products I hate or products that are no longer good and that have been taking up both physical and psychological space.

If you're interested at all in what I finished this month and/or what I got rid of, keep reading! I hope you had a great June and that you've got great things planned for July! Happy 4th to you and your families!

Brand

Product Name

Color

Cost

Thoughts

Buy

Again?

Rituals

Zensation Organic Rice Milk & Cherry Blossom

N/A

I got this in a subscription box - I believe it was Birch Box. I was pleased that they had included a full-sized product, but good lord, I did NOT like this. As a body wash, it worked just fine, but the scent of cherry blossoms is a difficult one to do well if your audience is grown-ass women. Since I AM a grown-ass woman, I found that this scent was juvenile, cloying, and not at all something I wanted to smell first thing in the morning. I did finish it, but would not repurchase it or anything else from this brand.

This is probably the second or third one of these that I've finished. The scent is a little on the cheap smelling side, but I do like the moisturizer and it works well for me in all seasons except late fall and winter.

I know a lot of people are real brand loyalists when it comes to toothpaste, but whatever brand loyalty I have has been acquired through marriage. Mike is a huge fan of Crest toothpaste so that's what I buy, but I don't honestly find that one brand is particularly better than another. I do like whitening toothpastes, and anti-cavity toothpastes, and this one works just fine.

These are the RiteAid brand cotton pads and I really, really like these. I do NOT like at all the CVS version, but these are terrific and when I'm in the market for more (these seem to multiply in my backup drawer like tribbles) I need to remember to buy these!

I purchased a travel sized version of this to keep in my travel toiletries bag and found that for the price point, I didn't find that it really did much to help my second or third day hair. I did like that it didn't leave a white cast in my hair, but other than that, this doesn't perform as well as I expect of other Alterna products. I'm glad I purchased the travel size and not the full size version.

I always use a detangler in the morning, even when I haven't washed my hair. This is a go-to for me and I find works really really well! It doesn't have a heavy scent (or a kiddie scent) and it is very inexpensive at the drugstore.

I received this deluxe sample as a gift with purchase and got literally two months if not more use out of it. I found that my eyeshadows lasted without creasing for over 12 hours easy, no matter the weather or the type of eyeshadow I used. This really became an integral part of my morning routine, and I didn't at all expect it to. After I work through the eleventy-billion other deluxe sample eyeshadow primers I have, I would definitely consider purchasing a full-size version of this.

This one is going because it got super yucky and dirty inside the lid. I find that this can happen if you aren't really diligent about keeping the inside clean. This is definitely not a product that lends itself to staying hygenic. So…bye bye.

I cannot believe that I finally finished this. I really do love this bronzer (I have another one in my collection). It's a pretty, easy-to-wear bronzer that gives fairer skinned girls a nice bronzy glow.

I’m letting go of this because I've kept it way beyond its expiration date. I do find these mildly hydrating, but not nearly as hydrating as many of the other lip balms now on the market. I do love Lush products and supporting anything that they do though (this is a brand I have a lot of loyalty to).

Also letting go of this because it's past its expiration date. This one wore longer and although it feels drier than many lip balms, I think it offers better long term protection because of the beeswax.

Yes

Sumita

Jamun Contrast Eye Pencil

Black

I received this as part of a subscription box, but I can't remember which one - probably Birch Box. Anyway - this product absolutely sucked. It dried out quickly and when I tried to use it, it tugged on my eyes so much that I would have given up if I hadn't already gotten one eye lined and was already running late for work. I swatched this on the back of my hand and it was patchy and blah. By the end of the day, the eyeliner was entirely gone. I would definitely not repurchase this as there are many amazing black drugstore eyeliners (as well as high end black eyeliners) and I just don't see any reason to use a product that sucks.

No

Bare Minerals

ID Eye

Charcoal

I purchased this many, many years ago, lost the lid a few years ago, and now I'm letting it go. I have realized that I have many more eyeliners than I could really use, so I am going to start purging them and keeping track of the inventory that I do keep.

No

PurMinerals

Eye Pencil

Ignite

I picked up a set of these and they are absolutely terrible. These are so bad that I cannot even give them away - I'm just going to go ahead and toss them. They are dry, they drag, the pigmentation is terrible. There's no reason at all to keep these in my collection.

No

PurMinerals

Eye Pencil

Ash

This is the next in the set I'm getting rid of.

No

PurMinerals

Eye Pencil

Vapour

This is the next in the set I'm getting rid of.

No

PurMinerals

Eye Pencil

Onyx

This is the next in the set I'm getting rid of.

No

PurMinerals

Eye Pencil

Spark

This is the next in the set I'm getting rid of.

No

BeneFit

Bad Gal Liner

Black

This is old so I’m getting rid of it. I only want liners in my collection that are easy to use.

I finished another one of these and still really like it. I'll be a while before I purchase it again because I want to try a few other prepping sprays and see how they compare. At $33/bottle, I'd be happy if I found something at a lower price point!

This was a small sample, so I'm not able to give a comprehensive review. I found that this felt nice on my skin, but I didn't like the added fragrance that Estee Lauder included in this product. I almost always prefer to smell the ingredients of a product rather than added fragrance, especially to skincare products.

I received a deluxe sized sample of this during a Barney's Beauty Week event and just recently used it when I was on a business trip. I really enjoyed how this felt on my skin and how hydrated my skin felt afterwards. I would, absolutely, consider purchasing this, especially as the price point isn't that far off of the Glam Glow products.

I picked these up for $8.00 at a CCO a few months ago and used them sparingly because OH MY GOD I really do love these wipes. I find that these really do an excellent job of removing my stubborn eyeliner or other eye makeup and I have already purchased backups. I now look for these wipes every time I go to a CCO so I can have a stock of them (that I didn't pay full price for).

Yes!

Cle de peau

Brightening serum supereme

N/A

I need to preface my comments about the next few products by saying that one or more of the products I am getting rid of caused a pretty significant adverse reaction in my skin. When I saw my aesthetician, she told me basically what I already knew, which is that many of the products I mentioned contain perfumes and ingredients that are irritating to the skin. I am unwilling to try these products one by one in order to determine which one (or ones) my skin doesn't like, so they're all going.

No

Lancome

Renergie Lift Multi-Action

N/A

This falls into the group of products I am getting rid of. I'm not sure if this was the product that caused my skin to react, but I can tell you that it is heavily fragranced. I wouldn't have repurchased this even if I wasn't having the reaction I am.

This is an acne treatment with salycilic acid, which is typically a good fit for my skin. I liked that this isn't overly drying, heavily perfumed, and seemed to help keep my skin clear. I would definitely repurchase this.

I'm getting rid of this now because I've had it for over a year and I think it is important to replace your sunscreen every year. One of my goals for this year is to use a broad spectrum sunscreen under my moisturizer every day (I have some hyperpigmentation and other sun damage that I'm trying to address) so I have repurchased a new bottle of this.

Yes

Banana Boat

Sport UVA & UVB Sunblock SPF 15

N/A

This is something I wouldn't repurchase, only because I wouldn't use anything that has only an SPF of 15.

Again, I’m only getting rid of this because it's near to its expiration date and I haven't used it since last summer. I have already purchased another one. I'm committed to being very diligent about using SPF this year and from now on.

Yes

Kiss my Face

Sun Spray SPF 30

N/A

This is another facial SPF but in a spray form. I like the idea of it, but I'm more confident in the Neutrogena's ability NOT to break me out.

This product is terrific at healing extremely dry, cracked skin. I don't have the same type of need for this that I did when we lived in Boston, but it is still very dry in Fresno and I often put this on my hands before I started doing my makeup in the morning. I'm trying to get better, too, about always putting lotion on before I go to bed, too.

Yes

Clinique

All-over Clearing Treatment

N/A

This is one of the products that I am tossing this month as I try to get my skin back in order. I can't make a recommendation one or another.

No

Lumene

Pure Radiance Night Cream

N/A

I got this in a New Beauty Test Tube and am getting rid of it as part of the group of products that may have irritated my skin. I think that it is possible that my skin might be reacting to the Vitamin C. At the very least I know that I do not like the scent of Vitamin C in my beauty products. At all.

I got this as a deluxe sample packet of Wei products and this is the second one of these I have used. I truly love how hydrating these are and how they leave my skin feeling soft and supple and hydrated. I would definitely consider purchasing this again (and again).

I got rid of two of these this month. Earlier in the month I got a microdermabrasion facial and peel and less than 36 hours later I had a cold sore on my lip. Basically that means that every product I used while the cold sore was active is getting tossed.

This is the other sponge I got rid of because of the cold sore I had this month. Sad.

Yes

Shop My Stash, Week 1, Day 2: High Endtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a511cb4c09970c2014-06-11T01:14:14-04:002014-06-11T01:14:14-04:00I mentioned yesterday that my skin looked a little dewier than I usually like it, so I switched up my foundation today and kept the primer the same. The foundation? One of my absolute favorites, Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Foundation...Elisa

I mentioned yesterday that my skin looked a little dewier than I usually like it, so I switched up my foundation today and kept the primer the same. The foundation? One of my absolute favorites, Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Foundation in 05. I love, love, love this foundation. The color is perfect and I typically really love how it sits on my skin.

Yeah - not so much today, which is a total bummer. Why? Because that means my (very expensive) Guerlain primer? Doesn't work for me. Not in the summer heat, that's for sure...sigh...tomorrow I will use the same foundation but switch up the primer and see if that makes a difference.

Anyway - here's what was different about my look today versus yesterday:

Foundation and highlighter: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in 05; Rouge Bunny Rouge Sea of Tranquility in 008 (I adore this - it adds gorgeous light to your cheekbones and wherever else you like to highlight).

Creme blush: Illamasqua Promise. This is a gorgeous blue-pink and highly pigmented. It adds a beautiful flush to your cheeks and blends out gorgeously.

Powder bronzer: Marc Jacobs Lightshow in 302 Close-Up. I blend all three colors together to get a lovely all-over bronze versus a contour. The white is gorgeous on its own as a highlighter and the middle two shades work great as transition shadows on the eyelids. I believe this product was limited edition and may not be available now.

Finishing Powder: Chanel Double Perfection Lumiere Long-Wear Flawless Sunscreen Powder Makeup in 35 Beige Rose. I have to say that I know my coloring much better now than I did when I purchased this. As a finishing powder, applied with a big fluffy brush, this can work on me. Otherwise, it is too pink and a little too dark. I'm not sure why, but all makeup counter people, regardless of the product price point, seem to want to color match me too dark. So now I tell them - yellow undertone and the same color as my neck and I end up with the product that actually works on my skin.

Eyeshadow and blush: Le Metier de Beaute Castaway palette. I picked this up on a blog sale and I truly, truly love it. There is only one matte shade in the palette, but the blushes are gorgeous as are the eyeshadows. :LMDB does eyeshadows as good if not better than any other luxury brand.

Powder eyeshadow: Chantecaille Shell. This is beautiful for patting on the eyelid as a final step to ensure that you keep the inner 1/3 of your eye bright. It also works as an inner corner highlight and as a browbone highlight if you don't mind shimmer.

You can see that this foundation is also still a little dark for me. Seriously you guys - I am seriously, seriously pale. In a way that I never really knew until I started truly trying to buy the right foundation. This foundation will be perfect for me toward the middle of summer.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

Shop My Stash, Week 1, Day 1: High Endtag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a3fd1b0a38970b2014-06-09T23:58:08-04:002014-06-09T23:58:08-04:00One of the fun things about going on an almost two month makeup no-buy is that I get to rediscover all of the fun things I already have in my collection. Okay, if I'm being totally honest, having to shop...Elisa

One of the fun things about going on an almost two month makeup no-buy is that I get to rediscover all of the fun things I already have in my collection. Okay, if I'm being totally honest, having to shop my stash for the next six weeks (I've officially decided to call off the no-buy when I get to Las Vegas at the end of July) means that I might actually TRY some of the fun things I have in my stash. Because I am a person who loves rules (shush), I'm approaching Week 2 of my no-buy with the following rules, er, guidelines...:

This week is for the High End products which means that I'll focus on some high end brands in my collection, aiming to use them for each step in my every day makeup routine.

I *can* choose to use the same product all week.

By "week" I mean Monday through Friday.

If something isn't working for me, and I don't have another high end alternative, and I can't figure out how to get the product to work for me, I can use something that isn't high end.

By "high-end" I mean brands like Chanel, YSL, Chantecaille. MAC made the cut only because that's the highest end brand of brow product I currently own.

My overall feelings? The Guerlain primer makes my face a little more dewy looking than I am used to and the foundation is maybe still a shade or two too dark for me still. Because the foundation was a little dark for me, the blush, which is already a bronzy color, didn't show up as well as I would like. I am going to try the same primer with a different, more Matte foundation tomorrow to see if I like that combination better, but overall, I felt my skin looked good and my eye makeup lasted all day without creasing.

Today was the first time I used the YSL product as a lip product as well and the verdict? I really, really liked it!

I'm kind of obsessed with golden, bronzy eyes right now, and the two quads I used from YSL really helped me achieve the look, but I definitely needed the Chanel palette for a couple of matte shades and a good browbone highlight.

Hope you pick up some helpful tidbits from me shopping my stash and happy Monday!

May Empties tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a511c90c56970c2014-06-07T15:44:52-04:002014-06-07T15:44:52-04:00Once more, I am amazed at how many products I tried/finished during the month of May. This month there were a lot of things that I really liked, primarily in the skincare realm, that I would definitely investigate more. Something...Elisa

Once more, I am amazed at how many products I tried/finished during the month of May. This month there were a lot of things that I really liked, primarily in the skincare realm, that I would definitely investigate more.

Something that was really brought home to me this month is that one of the best things I can do for my skin is use a rich, ultra-hydrating moisturizer as part of my nighttime routine. This has really made a big difference in how my skin looks/feels overall and the better my skin is, the less foundation and powder I need to use each day.

So, let's get to the empties and my feelings about them, shall we? If you stay through the the end of this (and it's LONG) I've got some random bits and bobs of news to share with you!

It surprises me that I like this fragrance, but I really do. It's a great Spring/Summer fragrance if you want something light and floral but not cloying. It's true - I would absolutely consider purchasing a full-sized version of this (I KNOW!)

I got this in the sample package of my New Beauty Test Tube. I didn’t think that I'd use it until I realized I had forgotten to put on deodorant on a 100 degree day here in Fresno and didn't have time to shower before I went out for dinner. I used this and felt like it helped neutralize any natural odor I was throwing off rather than just cover it up. Would consider purchasing these for travel!

Yes

Katy Perry

Killer Queen

N/A

Sample

Nope. I wore this one day and knew that it was far too cloying and not nearly as complex a fragrance as I typically like. It's got too strong an artificial fragrance smell.

Guys - I totally bought into the hype around this product and I love it. I love how this smells (I'm OBSESSED with how this smells). On days where I wear skirts or dresses or sleeveless tops, this product is amazing for giving a lovely sheen to my skin. If you have very dry skin, avoid this product - it is not super moisturizing.

Yes

Caress

Endless Kiss

Creamy Vanilla & Sandalwood

$ 4.19

I went through the other two versions of this I purchased FAST and this one took me FOREVER to get through. I love how it cleanses, but I just didn't love this scent. I'm finishing something else up now, but then I'll pick up another Caress body wash or two!

I purchased a travel size version of this and then immediately went out and purchased the full-size version. I haven't been without it since then. This significantly reduces the amount of time it takes me to dry my hair, and that of course helps keep my hair healthier since I'm not exposing it to so much heat.

I still love this and I find the claims to be true. When I use this on Day 1 hair, my style is so easy to re-create on Day 2. I love this stuff, seriously.

Yes

Beauty Protector

Protect & Detangle Leave-in Conditioner

N/A

Sample

I got this as part of a subscription box service. Based on its claims, this is a miracle product, but for me…well, it was just a nice detangler. I use a detangler every day, even on dry hair, to add some moisture to my chemically treated hair, and I didn't find this product to be anything special. I prefer the It's a 10 Light to this.

No

Living Proof

Restore Mask Treatment

N/A

$28.00

I received this in a Living Proof - Restore kit that I purchased at Ulta. I wanted to love this product, but I didn't find that it was any more hydrating than some other hair masks that I've used, which is to say that I’m underwhelmed overall. For the cost of a full size version of this, I will try some other products and see if I can find one that performs with more noticeable results.

This is an expensive setting spray, but oh my god, I love it. It's literally like hairspray for the face. You spray it and then you are SET. It took me a while to get used to it after using the UD setting sprays for a long time. Once I did get used to this, though, I fell totally in love. I already have another bottle of this and I"m working through my UD setting spray now in anticipation of going back to this one!

Yes

Ramy

Lipstick

Ramy Red!

$ 17.00

This is an old lipstick that I kept in my collection for nostalgia. This is too matte for me now. It was beautiful when I purchased it in Boston back in…2001? Yikes.

I have been using this every morning before I put on my primer and I really, really enjoy this product. It just feels lovely on the skin, and at almost 40, I need to be much more mindful of trying things that add moisture or hydrate my skin. I already have another bottle of this in rotation. After I finish that I am going to switch back to the MAC charged water and see if I get the same results (I think the MAC product is less expensive - we'll see!)

Yes

Clinique

High Impact Mascara

01 Black

Sample

This is a nice mascara, but it isn't as dramatic as I want, although it's called High Impact. The formula is drier than I like and it didn't add the volume or length. If you're looking for a more natural mascara, though, this may work well for you!

I liked the brush on this - it's a natural bristle brush, with an hourglass shape, and a good length/width, but I didn't love the formula. It is a very dry formula and it doesn’t provide the volume/length drama I want. There are many superior drugstore mascaras that can be purchased at a much lower price point.

No

Lush

Colour Supplement

Light Pink

$ 16.95

I purchased this before I knew that I had yellow/warm undertones. This just never looked good on me because of the wrong undertones. Would definitely not repurchase this color.

I do love these lip balms. They aren't the most moisturizing, and they aren't even always easy to use (I find myself cleaning the ridges of them almost obsessively) but yet I still buy new ones when I see one I don't already own. These are NOT great products - they're gimmicky and easy to throw in your purse.

Yes

CVS

100% Acetone Nail Polish Remover

N/A

$ 3.99

I know that using 100% acetone is bad for my nails, but this stuff gets nail polish off so quickly and I am so impatient that I used the whole thing. I've got other removers in my collection that I am working through that aren't acetone, so I'm giving my nails a bit of a break before I buy more of this. But I WILL buy more of this.

Yes

Evian

Facial Spray

N/A

$ 7.00

Bought as part of a two pack in the Sephora checkout line. There are many other toners/misters that I like better and I found that with both of these products, the nozzle stopped working while there was still product in the canister. I would definitely NOT repurchase.

Received in a subscription box. I liked this okay, and didn't find it too drying, but wasn't impressed enough with any visible results to purchase the full product. Has a light, lemony scent that is not offensive.

No

Liberta

Baby Foot Deep Skin Exfoliation

N/A

$ 25.00

I know so many people rave about this, but it didn't work at all for me. I followed the directions but never found that it removed dead skin on my feet (god that's gross to type). Would not repurchase.

No

Tarte

Maracuja C-brighter eye treatment

N/A

Sample

This came as part of the Tarte holiday 2013 collection. I finished it, and I liked it, but I don't really need a brightening eye cream as much as I need a hydrating one. I don't have issues with dark circles or anything like that. I am mostly trying to plump the area to make my eye wrinkles less noticeable. It's a good product, but not for me at this point in time.

No

Origins

Plantscription anti-aging moisturizer

N/A

Sample

The best thing about this moisturizer is that it has SPF 25 (broad spectrum). I really liked this, but didn't notice any true difference in my skin after a few week's worth of uses. There are other moisturizers that I like better, although I generally enjoy Origins products.

I am so excited to finally have a Lush store in Fresno! I took five empty containers back recently and got this Brazened Honey face mask for free (I have it on my face as I type, actually). I do face masks frequently enough that I can actually use the entire Lush mask within a week of its expiration date. I really do love this mask - it is both hydrating and clearing. I've used it almost every other day when I've been home and it is amazing. I am definitely going to purchase this again once I've give some other masks some love.

I ran out of serums a while ago (I was testing all the serums, if you remember) and stumbled across this at the drugstore. I'm kind of a skincare snob (ignore the harsh toners I use - I'm looking at you, Cass) and so I wanted to give some drugstore products a try. To be honest? I really liked this serum and my skin reacted well to it. Now that I'm using the Tarte Maracuja Oil, we will see just what benefits (if any) I received from the L'Oreal product since I'm NOT using it!

Yes

Mario Badescu

Strawberry Face Scrub

N/A

$ 15.00

I picked up a bunch of Mario Badescu products on HauteLook a few months ago and this was one of them. I used this as the final step in my evening cleansing routine and honestly I did not like the product. The exfoliating bits were too big and too harsh and too FEW and it just made this product very weird. In the evenings I am looking for a deep cleanse to ensure that I get all makeup out of my pores and this was just...no.

Wow. I only got two evening uses out of this, but I loved how this felt on my skin in the evening. It was hydrating but didn't break me out and I felt like my skin looked and felt really lovely and plump when I used this. Would definitely consider purchasing.

I only got a few uses out of this so I can't really give a true opinion. I wish it didn't have a fragrance in it, but other than that I would consider purchasing.

Yes

F*Y

Face Wrap - Avocado & Vitamin E

N/A

Sample

I received this is my New Beauty Test Tube. It wasn't particularly hydrating or luxurious feeling, but I did enjoy it. I don't know that I'd go out of my way to find it, but if I saw it discounted at a TJ Maxx, I'd consider picking it up. How's that for a ringing endorsement?

I only got a few uses of this, but I did like it. I used this as a day moisturizer for the few days I had it. I have a deluxe Algenist sample in my queue and I'm assuming I'll be able to give a more thoughtful opinion once I use that.

This claims to reduce visible signs of stress and flare-ups including skin fatigue and redness with Rose Gallica Abotanical Extract, Mannose and Chamomile. This was also a sample packet so I only got a few uses out of it, but I did like how it felt on my skin. The claims are really interesting to me - my skin reacts strongly to stress and environmental factors, so I'm interested in getting a larger sample from my local Kiehl's counter and trying it over a more extended period of time.

I love the rose sleeping facial so I am already pre-disposed to love this as well. I got three evening uses out of this and LOVED it. I'm learning that because I use an exfoliating cleanser in the evening, combined with my aging skin, means that a heavier, more hydrating moisturizer in the evening is just the thing I need to ensure I keep my skin nice and hydrated.

This doesn't seem to have any added fragrance and is very hydrating. I was able to use this for a few weeks and I liked how it felt on my skin in the evenings. Again - I use hydrating moisturizers in the evening, not in the morning, in order to help my skin repair from the abuse I heap upon it during the day.

Folks - if you don't know about konjac sponges, you need to. Go to Amazon and buy one from Dew Puff - I don't care if it is the original, charcoal, or the clay version, but buy one. These sponges are AMAZING and there's no reason at all to spend the money that Boscia is charging for these at Sephora. These sponges are made from konjac root and when you get them wet they become the most amazing cleansers. You do need to replace them every two months or so.

I've been interested in this line's skincare so was excited when I got this sample. Since I was only able to use it for a few days, I can't speak to much other than the feel was good, the SPF is great, and there's no fragrance to irritate my skin.

I really did like this eye cream. It was thick, smoothing, and hydrating. If you don't like thick, silicone-feeling types of eye creams, you will NOT like this. I found it to be great for me and my aging under eyes!

I used to use Bliss products all the time but have gotten away from them in the last year or so. I found this sample cleanser and decided to finish it up before moving onto something new. I do like how this smells (light, not cloying) and how it cleanses (this was one step in my morning cleansing routine and I liked that it was foaming but not TOO foaming). Would consider purchasing a full-size.

I purchased this as part of a skin care kit while I was traveling in St. Louis in January (I was also sick with the plague. What a horrible trip.) and I really enjoyed this as a second step in my morning cleansing routine. My skin is still acne prone, and the salicylic acid in this helps keep break outs at bay. I already have another one of these in my shower!

I purchased this to be my travel primer and I liked it, but I've figured out something about my morning makeup routine that makes me think I didn't give this a fair shake. So I'm going to try this again and see if I like it better with my new, revised morning makeup routine (it involves NOT using my It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness which I thought was my HG pre-foundation product but maybe is NOT.).

Yes

Ole Henriksen

Truth Crème Advanced Hydration

N/A

Sample

I do like this moisturizer, but I don't find it to be exceptional enough to purchase a full-size version of it. I find the orange-y smell to be too sicky-sweet and so even though the scent does go away, I just don't want to use it.

This was a very very hydrating sheet mask from Beauty Diary. I was worried that this one might have an unpleasant scent (I had nothing to make me believe that - it wasn't a rationale concern) but it was just fine and like I mentioned, it was very hydrating and did not break me out.

I picked these and another variety of these makeup remover pads a couple of months ago when they were on sale at the drug store. I don't have a lot of experience with Almay products and was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked these. My goal is always to remove my eye makeup with as little scrubbing as necessary to protect the delicate skin around the eyes as well as my eyelashes. I was able to use two pads to remove my eye makeup almost entirely and then the rest of my evening cleansing routine took care of the rest of my makeup. I will pick these up again (probably as soon as I see Almay products on sale again).

As I've mentioned in my recent empties, I have switched to using a more hydrating moisturizer overnight as a way to ensure that my skin, even though it tends towards oiliness, is effectively moisturized. I only got a few uses out of this particular moisturizer, but I really, really liked how it felt on my skin after application and when I woke up in the morning. Would definitely consider purchasing a full-size.

If you haven't figured out by now how much I love these, well…then I'm doing a terrible job at blogging about them because I LOVE THESE KONJAC SPONGES and have not been without one for over two years. I do like to have this charcoal sponge in my shower for my morning cleansing routine. If you do decide to check these out, just keep in mind that you'll need to replace them every month to two months.

Yes

Okay, for some randomness:

I'm on a makeup no-buy for June and July. I am giving myself a hall pass for the trip we are taking to Las Vegas at the end of July. Because...SHOPPING IN LAS VEGAS.

I've been making some notes for some different series I would like to do for the blog. I do like doing these empties posts (for myself as much as for anyone else who might get a benefit from them) but I'm also thinking that I'd like to do a series on the makeup I bring when I travel and what I end up using and not using. I think I will also do some collection posts - looking at specific brands (when I only have a few products) or specific types of products (when there are enough to warrant it). Since I'm on the no-buy, I'll also be doing some "Shop my Stash" posts as well as a couple of drugstore only products weeks.

We've got some really fun travel coming up this summer that I am really looking forward to. We'll be celebrating a friend's 40th birthday in Paso Robles, CA, then heading to Boston, MA for family fun, then to Las Vegas at the end of July for Mike's birthday, then to St. Louis for a friend's wedding at the end of August and then it's more birthday fun (MINE!) and wedding fun (my step-daughter's)!

I hope that everyone has planned for the summer the types of activities that make them the happiest. I know that I am definitely looking forward this summer and to spending time with all of my favorite people (and pups).

April Empties (It's not Denial - it's just Life)tag:typepad.com,2003:post-6a00d8341cd9f953ef01a3fd144a5e970b2014-05-31T09:59:16-04:002014-05-31T09:59:16-04:00Okay, so...I've been dutifully recording my empties in my handy-dandy Excel spreadsheet, I just haven't been dutifully posting my empties. Helps me to keep track of what I've purchased, liked and not liked...but it isn't really helpful for anyone else,...Elisa

Okay, so...I've been dutifully recording my empties in my handy-dandy Excel spreadsheet, I just haven't been dutifully posting my empties. Helps me to keep track of what I've purchased, liked and not liked...but it isn't really helpful for anyone else, obviously. I'm not going to back too far with posting these, but I thought I would post my April empties today in preparation for putting May empties up soon.

The last few months have been particularly stressful at work and when I get stressed...I shop. This habit contributed to the size of my book collection, my yarn stash, my fiber stash, and now my makeup collection. Like there's been so much stress and so much shopping that I've put myself on a makeup no-buy for June AND July. I'm giving myself a couple of passes for some weekends where Mike and I will be on vacations (Paso Robles and Boston) but other than that - I'm on a no buy until August 1st.

So the plan (such as it is) for posting during my no-buy is this:

Empties

Favorites

Fails

Collection (in bite-sizes, because...well.)

Reviews

Given my posting history, this is an ambitious plan, but blogging is like a muscle and I just need to work out my blogging muscle more!

So here are my April favorites - I don't have pictures for you, but will include a link to any product that I would recommend or repurchase. If you have any comments please let me know!

I have various types of lip balms tucked away literally EVERYWHERE, and there's always some Chap Stick in the mix. This was the original formula. I love the original and I'll definitely repurchase it once I've gotten through some of the other lip balms I have in rotation.

I've had this for so long that it has turned. Honestly, the Karma fragrance by Lush isn't my favorite and I never found myself reaching for this. In lotions it is a nice fragrance, but on its own it is too Dr. Pepper-y. I am glad that I purchased a sample size of this.

No

Harvey Prince

Skinny Chic

N/A

Sample

Nope. Just nope. I've been trying to go through the samples I have and use up the entire sample before I judge the scent, but I could only wear this twice and then I was done. This is a relatively juvenile smelling scent. Too cloying, too sweet, and totally lacking in the types of complexities I like.

This is the second one of these I've finished in four months. I'm still a huge fan of this dry shampoo, unfortunately I go through them very quickly. The good news is that it at a price point where I don't feel bad using as much of it as I need.

Yes

Gucci

Flora

N/A

Sample

Again, nope. I didn't like this perfume. I used it once or twice but it simply isn't my type of fragrance. Anything too floral that doesn't have deeper muskier notes to balance it leaves me feeling like the scent is either too young or too old for me.

No

Physicians Formula

Super BB, All-in-1 Beauty Balm Compact Cream

Light/Medium

.28 oz

Sample

I purchased the light/medium but it's too dark for me, so I will be giving it to a friend of mine. What I really appreciate about many of the Physicians Formula products, even the powder ones, is the inclusion of SPF. This has an SPF of 30. I can't really give a good review of the product since it's not a color match for me.

I'm calling this a primer since that's the category that it seems to best fit in. What I can tell you is that I do not want to be without this product. Like, ever. All you need is a small amount and then to buff it into the skin where you have redness and it evens out the skin color beautifully. This is light enough to wear under foundation without feeling like you've got too many products on your face, too. I truly love this product and feel like it has changed how my makeup and skin look.

UPDATE: This may have fallen from HG status. Stay tuned.

Yes

The Body Shop

Caramel Stick

Caramel

$ 10.00

This is a product that's been in my collection for the last, seriously, almost fifteen years. It's been at least ten since I used it. It was a great caramel-y color for the 90s, but it's time to just let it go.

I enjoyed this primer a lot. It's a gel primer and it really helped my makeup go on very smoothly. I would definitely consider purchasing a large size. I found that this helped keep my foundation from settling into pores and fine lines.

Yes

Origins

Matte Stick

Moon Rock

$ 15.99

Similar to the Body Shop chubby stick, I've had this in my collection for nostalgia purposes only for many years. Loved it in the late 90s but am letting it go now!

No

Smashbox

Limitless Lip Stain & Color Seal Balm

Berry

DC

I really, really hate Smashbox. This product absolutely sucked. The balm wasn't moisturizing at all and the stain both didn't stay and DID dry out my lips.

I realized that I've totally bashed two other floral scents in my empties for this month, but I do love the Jo Malone Orange Blossom cologne. I wore only this every day for years and still love it. The fragrance is light, and although not extremely complicated, it lingers in a way that is really lovely.

Used another one of these. Will definitely purchase more sheet masks from this brand. I love how hydrating these are and how soft my skin is after I use these.

Yes

Bioxidea

Miracle 48, Excellence Gold

N/A

1.05 fl oz

Sample

Received this as part of my New Beauty Test Tube. I had high hopes for this, and I really did like how well the gel mask fit on my face and the overall quality of the mask was undoubtedly nice, but I didn't see the results that this promised. It claims that it regenerates, is anti-wrinkling, moisturizing, nutritious (?), brightening, lifting, firming, controls sebum, detoxifies, smooths, soothes, and provides spot care. I would say it was moisturizing and soothing, but that's about it.

I absolutely love this moisturizer. It claims to be hydrating and firming, and while I can't say that the firming claim is true, it is definitely a hydrating body lotion. I love the smell and texture of this lotion. It has a light herbally smell that is really pleasant and not cloying at all. This is a body lotion on the more expensive side, but I often find it at TJ Maxx at a significantly reduced price.

This is definitely a pricy product - there's no way around that. You use this in the evening, between toner and serum and it's supposed to support cell turnover and regeneration. I purchased this bottle last July and it lasted almost 9 months, so for that period of time, I'm okay with the cost and in fact I already have another one of these in use. I found that this product definitely helped keep my skin looking bright and even.

Yes

Clarisonic

Refreshing Gel Cleanser

N/A

Sample

This came with my Clarisonic and I had it for almost 10 months before I found myself out of cleansers and needing to use it. It was fine, but really unremarkable.

I purchased this as part of a three pack and I really liked it. There is no fragrance, and it really removes eye makeup, even stubborn eye makeup easily and without me needing to scrub my eyes and/or irritate them. I've heard this compared to the Bioderma.

Yes

Mario Badescu

Acne Facial Cleanser

N/A

6 fl oz

$ 15.00

One of the things I am trying to figure out about my skin is whether to treat acne or age. I picked this up when Mario Badescu was on HauteLook and I did like it, but it's too drying for my skin overall. I like the Mario Badescu products in general, but this one just isn't appropriate for my almost 40 skin.

I picked this up during the Sephora VIB sale last November and finished both treatments. I liked the Supermud better than the Youthmud, because what I'm really wanting a mask to do is remove impurities and keep my pores clear (I have huge pores and this is always a big concern of mine). I was able to get both treatments for 20% off of $69, so it ended up being a great value. Will definitely purchase again when on sale.

I used another one of these and really enjoyed how brightening and tightening it was.

Yes

Chanel

Ultra Correction Line Repair

N/A

.1 fl oz

Sample

Finished another sample of this. Still would not purchase a full-size.

No

Dior

Eye Zone Boosting Super Serum

N/A

.05 fl oz

Sample

I received a sample packet of this and I liked it, but since I was only able to use it for a few days, I can't really give a solid opinion on it.

N/A

Kiehls

Powerful Wrinkle Reducing Cream

N/A

0.25 fl oz

Sample

This is a deluxe sample that I used over the course of a few weeks. I really did like how moisturizing this is and how it left my skin feeling very hydrated.

No

Biore

Make-Up Removing Towelettes

N/A

$ 6.37

I found these to be very irritating to my skin and I didn't want to get this product anywhere near my eyes. I would not repurchase. I finished these up removing makeup swatches, not removing makeup from my face.

No

Rodan + Fields

Daily Cleansing Mask

N/A

4.2 fl oz

$ 41.00

I wanted to like this line of products, and maybe other cleansers would appeal to me more, but I really did not like a cleanser that was also a mask. I didn't like having to apply it and then leave it on before I could wash my face. I found it to be an irritant in my morning routine and that prejudiced me against the product. I didn't notice any appreciable difference in my skin after using this.

This is a very hydrating serum that does not break me out. I did have a sample of this that I really enjoyed and when I was in the market to purchase a serum, I chose this one. Here's what I did not like about this product: The packaging is deceivingly heavy and entirely opaque. This means that I had absolutely no idea that the product was low until it was actually empty.

Yes

So there you have it! Those are the products I tried and finished in April. If you have any questions about any of my opinions about these products, please let me know!